Ingredients (Serves 6)

Protein & Base

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 large carrots, sliced

Broth

• 8 cups chicken broth (high-protein bone broth preferred)

• Juice + zest of 1–2 lemons

• 1 tsp turmeric (optional for color)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Add-Ins

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups baby spinach

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

• Optional protein boosters:

  • ½–1 cup cooked chickpeas

  • 1 scoop unflavored collagen

  • ½ cup egg whites (swirl in at the end)

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

2. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.

4. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

2. Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.

2. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Simmer the Soup

1. Add broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, turmeric, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Return chicken to the pot.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

4. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.

4. Add the Orzo

1. Add orzo and simmer another 10 minutes until tender.

2. Stir in spinach and parsley until wilted.

(If using chickpeas or collagen, add now. Egg whites should be poured in slowly while stirring at the very end.)

5. Finish & Adjust

• Taste and add more lemon for brightness.

• Adjust salt and pepper.

• Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or lemon slices.

• Serve with crusty bread or alongside a crisp green salad.

Approximate Calories

330–380 calories per serving, depending on protein boosters and amount of orzo.

High-Protein Tip: With collagen + chickpeas + chicken, protein can reach 40–48g per serving.